The ostrich farming industry in Canada is experiencing backlash after a mandate to eliminate hundreds of ostriches, despite opposition from the farmers involved.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) revealed on November 7 that it had terminated several hundred ostriches at a farm located in Edgewood, British Columbia, a day earlier.
This decision was justified by the CFIA as a means to enforce a cull order issued ten months prior due to a bird flu outbreak.
The Canadian government explained in a press release: “The premises is still quarantined under the Health of Animals Act. Permission from the CFIA is required to enter property covered by existing search warrants, which includes areas of the farm subject to biocontainment requirements.
“After consulting with experts experienced in managing ostrich disease outbreaks, the CFIA concluded that the most appropriate and humane option was to use professional marksmen in a controlled on-farm setting. All depopulation activities were completed under CFIA veterinary supervision.”
The CFIA estimated the flock to consist of between 300 and 330 ostriches.
This action, however, has been labeled as ‘unnecessary’ by the farm owners.
The farm owners have sought to challenge the order legally, maintaining that the ostriches that remained showed no signs of illness and should be allowed to live. They insisted that the flock was in good health and possessed ‘herd immunity,’ potentially making them valuable for scientific study, as reported by ABC News.
According to the CFIA, farmers are entitled to compensation of up to CA $3,000 (US $2,136) per ostrich.
Katie Pasitney, a spokesperson for the farm, has been actively expressing opposition to the decision on Facebook.
After the ostriches were confirmed culled, she urged the public to offer prayers and support.
In a heartfelt post she stated: “Prayers are powerful. I believe in the power of written prayer and intention. If anybody would want to take the time to send us written prayers, that would mean the world’s me, that energy is what the world needs right now.
In another post, she urged for an overhaul of the CFIA, criticizing them for lacking compassion.
“How we’ve been treated at the end has hurt us to our core, the demonstration of lack of empathy and how they push people at their worst knowing that they’ve lost everything is so unthinkable,” she stated.
“My heart is broken but I will make it my mission to help create a better way. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency needs to be redone, there are some who have made mistakes beyond repair.
“This agency needs to be completely restructured, a new vision, a new face and something with meaning an agency that will protect preserve. Heal and treat not just kill.”
Attempts have been made to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for their perspective on the matter.